Taiwan Military's 'Sky Eye' Drones Debut in Secret Coastal Defense Drill

Taiwan's military has conducted a low-profile joint exercise featuring several advanced drone systems at the Jiupeng base, signaling a strategic push towards modernizing its defense capabilities. The drill simulated an anti-amphibious landing scenario, emphasizing "drone-based targeting and precision strikes from the rear" to counter potential threats.

The centerpiece of the exercise was the debut of the "ground-based reconnaissance drone" in a field environment. This versatile unmanned aerial vehicle boasts a unique inverted V-tail design and hybrid propulsion, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing like a multi-rotor drone, followed by high-speed forward flight as a fixed-wing aircraft. With a control range of 100 kilometers and an endurance of over six hours, it serves as a crucial "eye in the sky."

This drone can act as a backup "eye" for mobile anti-ship missile units and provide laser targeting for attack helicopters. Its low noise and small size enable it to infiltrate high-risk areas like beaches or forward battle lines, allowing helicopters to identify enemy landing craft and amphibious forces without direct visual contact.

The exercise also incorporated two other smaller drones: a purely electric, stealthy micro-drone and a short-range tactical drone. These drones initiated the reconnaissance, gathering intelligence in complex near-shore terrain and correcting targeting data. The larger ground-based drone then took over at a greater distance, using high-grade military lasers to designate targets and transmitting precise coordinates via an anti-jamming link.

Official documents reveal the drone's primary mission is to provide crucial intelligence for anti-ship missile units. During the drill, after the ground-based drone relayed target identification data, concealed anti-ship missile launchers simulated a successful engagement, "frustrating the enemy's landing attempt" tens of kilometers offshore. This exercise underscores Taiwan's commitment to integrating civilian technology for coastal defense.